Jun 15, 2010 -- Yeshiva University recently celebrated its inaugural class of students who earned a master’s of science degree in accounting from Sy Syms School of Business, a clear indication of the University’s commitment to ensuring that its students are prepared for careers as CPAs. This first graduating class, comprised of nine students, has set the tone for the future of the master’s program, according to Margie Martin, associate director of program recruitment for the MS in accounting program. “These students set a high standard for what a SSSB MS in accounting student will need to be, and those standards will help us to recruit other students of high quality.” The master’s program launched last summer with co-ed classes on the Beren Campus, conveniently located for those working in accounting firms in midtown. Students had the option to take courses on a full-or part-time basis, but were required to complete a total of 10 courses to earn their degree. This summer, the curriculum will feature added courses so that students who majored in a business discipline other than accounting can enroll in the program. Martin classifies the significance of a master’s program at Syms as twofold. “Now, students can continue their education on the graduate level at SSSB in an environment that they are comfortable in—a number of the professors in the MS in accounting teach at the undergraduate level of SSSB, so they know the students and can continue the relationships that have been built,” she said. “Secondly, SSSB has a reputation to the outside world as being a leader in business education, and now with the MS in accounting, students who graduated from other institutions can be a part of this learning experience and benefit from everything we offer: dynamic course offerings, strong ties to the accounting profession and all that YU stands for.” Students who have successfully completed the program are already reaping the benefits. For instance, Montreal native Daniel Newman ‘09SB landed a job as a tax associate in Deloitte’s accounting department; he intends to take the CPA exam next year. “My master’s degree makes me more competitive,” he said. “In addition to nuts-and-bolts accounting courses, I got to take general business courses as well, which has helped me to prepare for the CPA exam.” For more information on the MS in accounting program, contact Margie Martin at 917-326-4852 or mmartin4@yu.edu or visit www.yu.edu/sysyms/msa.